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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Hortensia feel after witnessing Peter with another woman?

2. What does Hortensia tell Marion to do with the photograph of her and Peter?

3. What does Bassey make for Innes?

4. What does Hortensia focus on instead of her marriage?

5. Why did Agnes take the painting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the arrangement when Marion moves into Hortensia’s house?

2. What causes Hortensia to “begin to hate”?

3. Why does Marion share the story about Alberta?

4. Why is Marion surprised by Hortensia’s interaction with Innes?

5. How does Peter feel about Hortensia’s career?

6. How does Marion feel to be staying in No. 10 Katterijn Avenue?

7. Why does Marion struggle to admit her feelings to Ludmilla?

8. What motivates Hortensia to contact Esme?

9. Why does Hortensia feel “at home again” after she and Marion fight?

10. What does Marion removing the stain from Hortensia’s wall symbolize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the interaction between Hortensia and Esme. How does Hortensia initially feel about meeting the woman, and what causes her to eventually do so? How does she come away from the meeting different?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the opening and closing scenes of the novel, which both take place at the Koppie. What do these similarities and differences symbolize about the course of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of the Samsodien’s land claim against the Von Struikers. What is the history of this claim? What is the defense for both sides?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 610 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample